The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-04-09
THE FISHERIES.
President cIeveIand's Views of the
RetaIIatory Measure.

WASHINGTON, April s.-The President
having received communication from the
American Fisheries Union Of Massachusetts
calling attention to the fisheries dispute and
suggesting that the retaliatory act, passed by
the late Congress, would in their opinion be
sufficiently executed if proposed retaliation
was confined to the closing of United States
markets to Canadian fish products, he has
made the following answer:
EXECUTIVE MANSION
WASHINGTON, April z, 1887.
George Steele, Esq, President american FfsherU
Union and Others, Gloucester, Mass:
Gellttenlelt-I have received your letter lately
addressed to me, and have gwen full considera-
ton to the expression Of views and wishes there
In contained, In relation to the existing differ
ences between the government OF Great Britain
and the United States, growieg out of the refusal
to award TO our citizens engaged in fishing enter
prlSeS the privileges TO which they are entitled,
either under the treaty stlpulations guarantees
OF international comfy and neighborly coneess-
ions. l sincerely trust the apprehension you ex-
press Of unjust and unfriendly treatment Of
American fishermen lawfully found In Canadian
water will not be realized. But If such appre-
tensions should prove to be well fOunded d. earn
estly hope no fault or inconsderate action of any
OF our citizens will in the least weaken the lust
position of our government, or deprive us of the
UNIVERSAL sympathy and support to which we
should be entitled.
1885, when the fishing articles Of the treaty Of
1871, were terminated under the notification
which had two years before been given by our
government has been fully disclosed by the cor
respondence between the representative and APP
propriate departments of the respective govern
mentS with which am appriSed by your letter
you are entirely familiar. An examination of this
correspondence has doubtless satisfied you that
In no ease have the rights or privileges OF Ameri-
on the contrary they have been studOusly insist
ed upon and cared for by every means within the
control of the executive branch OF the govern
menI.
The act of Congress approved March 3, 1887,
authorizing course of retaliation through execu-
tives action in the event OF continuance ON the
part of the British American authorities Of un-
friendly conduct and treaty violations affecting
American fishermen has deyolyed npon the Pres
ldent OF the United States exceedingly grave and
solemn responsibilities, comprehending highly
important consequences to our national character
and dignity, and involving extremely valuable
commercial intercourse between the British pos
sessi ons of North America and the people OF the
United States. understand the main purpose of
your letter is to suggest that in case a recourse
TO the retaiatory measures authorized by this act
should be invited by unjust treatment of our fish
ermen, in the future, the object of such retaa-
ton might be fully accomplished by prohibiting
Canadian caught fish from entry into the ports Of
the United States.n
The existing controversy is one in which two
nations are the parties concerned. The retalia-
tion contemplated by the act of Congress Is TO be
enforced not to protect simply any particular in
tereSt however meritoriouS or valuable, but TO
maintain national honor and thus protect ali our
people. In this view violation Of American
fishery rights and the unjust or unfriendy
acts toward portion of our citizens engaged In
this business Is but the occasion for action and
constitutes national affront which gives birth to-
or may justify, retaliation This measure once re-
sorted TO, its effectiveness and value may well de-
pend upon the thorOughneSS and extent of its
application. and in the performance Of interna-
tional duties, the enforcement of International
rights and the protection of our citizens this gov
ernment and the people OF the United States must
act as unit, all intent upon attaining the best
result 0f retaliation upon the maintenance OF
national honor and duty.
A nation seeking by any imeans to maintain its
honor dignity and integrity is engaged in protect
ing the rights of its people, and if in such efforts
particular interests are injured and special ad-
periodically berne for the public good. An inn
nense volume Of population, manufactures and
agricultural productions, and marine tonnage and
railways 10 which these have given activity, is
largely the result of intercourse between
the United States and Britirh America; and the
of good neighborhood and friendly communica-
ton form an aggregate Of material wealth and In
cldental relations OF most impressive magnitude
fully appreciate these things and am not un-
mindful OF the great number of our people who
are concerned In such vast and diversified inter
ests. In the performance OF the serious duty
which Congress has imposed upon me and in the
ferred under the act referred TO, shall deem my
self bound to lnfct no unnecessary damage or
injury upon any portion of our people, but shall
nevertheless be unfllnchingly guided by sense
OF what the self respect and dignity Of the nation
demand. In maintenance of these and in sup
which every icitizen may repose in safety. no
sacrifice Of personal or private interests shall be
considered as against the general welfare.
Yours Very Truly.